Aftermarket April 2022

O n the importance of opting for quality rotating electrics components, WAI Managing Director Richard Welland commented: “Poor quality starters and alternators can result in serious consequences for a vehicle’s engine, therefore it is recommended to opt for a proven product first time round to avoid bigger costs in the long run.” On the WAI offering, he observed: “As the market evolves, we continue to ensure we are meeting customer demand with regular new-to-range references, offering them access to our unrivalled product range. Our increased product availability, coupled with our investment in the WAI brand, means we’re now one of the largest automotive aftermarket rotating electrics suppliers throughout the UK and Ireland.” Opportunity Change is on the way though, said Richard: “With vehicle manufacturers under renewed pressure to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, with new Euro 7 standards being developed for the EU market, mild hybrid powertrains have given them an opportunity to build 50 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2022 ROTATING ELECTRICS www.aftermarketonline.net As technology continues to develop, rotating electrics components within vehicles continue to keep techs on their toes smaller engines that utilise a boost system, reducing weight without sacrificing power, and limit pollutants. “Mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs) feature adaptations to the tried-and-tested Stop/Start ignition systems. Rather than cut the engine when the vehicle is at a full stop, the engine will cut just short of being fully stopped, running the vehicle on the battery rather than engaging the internal combustion engine. These advances in technology put a renewed focus on quality of the starter motor and alternator, which are now usually found as a combined unit.” On the WAI offering, he added: “All starter motor and alternator references undergo stringent validation processes and are tested during manufacture, after manufacture and, once they arrive ready for dispatch. Tests involve salt and temperature testing to enhance corrosion resistance, as well as validation testing, including endurance, humidity, power thermal cycling, vibration and thermal shock.” Technicalities As Autoelectro UK Sales Manager Nick Hood observed, rotating electrics has developed over the years, thanks to IN A SPIN